Former A-10 pilot recounts being hit over Baghdad, credits training for survival
President Donald Trump and General Dan Caine have publicly commended the bravery exhibited in the remarkable rescue of a U.S. airman from Iran. They highlighted the significance of courage and the extensive training that made this daring operation possible. Former A-10 pilot Kim “KC” Campbell also offered her perspective, drawing from her own experiences of survival. She emphasized the indispensable role played by combat search and rescue teams working under dangerous conditions. This mission showcases the critical importance of SERE training, equipping airmen with the necessary skills to evade capture and endure in hostile environments.
During a training exercise off the coast of Southern California, a U.S. Marine aboard the USS Anchorage was reported missing, sparking an expansive search operation involving multiple agencies. The effort, initially focused on finding the missing Marine, has now transitioned into a recovery mission, according to a statement from the Navy.
The disappearance was reported at approximately 1:21 a.m. on Thursday, prompting an immediate response from the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. The Marine was participating in integrated training exercises with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit when they were reported missing, said Navy officials.
As part of standard protocol, the Navy has chosen to withhold the Marine’s identity until 24 hours after informing their next of kin, ensuring that family members are notified prior to any public announcement.
Amid a training exercise off the Southern California coast, a U.S. Marine stationed on the USS Anchorage vanished, triggering a search that has now become a recovery effort led by various agencies. (Lisa Lake/Getty Images)
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time,” the Navy said in a news release on Saturday.
The Navy transitioned from search-and-rescue efforts to a search-and-recovery operation at about 9 p.m. Friday.
Three surface ships and 12 aircraft from four military branches searched for the missing Marine for 43 hours before transitioning to a recovery operation. (Mike Kropf/Getty Images)
The search covered approximately 2,400 square miles over 43 hours and involved three surface ships and 12 aircraft from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force, according to the Navy.
The Navy launched a multi-agency search after a Marine assigned to the USS Anchorage was reported missing during training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Evan Diaz)
The USS Anchorage is an amphibious transport dock ship assigned to the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
News Media has reached out to the Navy for additional information.